Bill moves on to the Senate

DENVER - An expansion of DNA collection for some misdemeanor convictions has passed the Colorado House.

The bill received final approval Tuesday on a 43-21 vote and will now be considered by the Senate.

Democratic Rep. Dan Pabon, the bill sponsor, urged support for the proposal by arguing it would help solve and prevent crimes. Opponents countered that the collection of DNA for some misdemeanors went too far because DNA contains more identifying information about people than fingerprints.

Most states, including Colorado, already collect DNA in felony cases.

Pabon's bill would apply only to criminal misdemeanors, including some assaults or thefts. Opponents expressed concern that criminal misdemeanors also include lesser offenses, such as recording a film in a movie theater.

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